Why Get Your Bachelors in Aeronautics?
With a decades-long sluggish aviation industry at last hiring again due to a worldwide pilot shortage, many who want to become pilots might wonder why they should spend time and …
Learn to Fly
What Makes Southern California a Great Place to Learn to Fly?
There’s nothing like taking off into a clear blue sky on a 75 degree day, soaring over mountains with the sea just below. For pilots who learn to fly in …
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When IFR Flight Training Is Necessary
Is IFR training really necessary? Technically not—plenty of private pilots fly quite happily without it— but working on an instrument rating is always a good idea, whether or not you …
Why IFR Training Is Important
When pilots use the term “your IFR” or “the IFR,” they are referring to “instrument rating requirements.” In aviation, “IFR” stands for “Instrument Flight Rules.” Having an IFR rating means …
The Indescribable Thrill of Flying
Do you struggle sometimes to communicate your passion for flying? It can be difficult to convince people of its merits who only view flying as a source of mass transportation, …
How Airplane Designs Have Changed Over Time
When someone says the word “airplane,” a lot of different visuals might come to mind—the 1903 Wright Flyer (the world’s first airplane), a World War II fighter, or a huge …
Safety Culture in Aviation
Safety culture in aviation isn’t just adhering to new FAA guidelines in the wake of a deadly accident or frightening near-miss. It’s a daily, minute-by-minute commitment to ensuring that you, …
Why Are Airplanes Pressurized?
“For your comfort, the cabin will be pressurized.” Passengers hear this as part of in-flight announcements as they settle into their seats, but most might not know how this takes …
Maintaining the Correct Course When Flying
Maintaining the correct course in the air is as easy as following the line on the GPS, isn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. What happens when your cockpit GPS …
What Goes Into Prepping for Departure?
A smart pilot’s departure begins long before he or she climbs into the cockpit. One of the most important aspects of becoming airborne takes place before the airplane is anywhere …
Navigating Airports from Big to Small As a Pilot
Some student pilots think the toughest part of flying is simply staying aloft. However, the mechanics of taking off and landing at an airport extend far beyond the aeronautics of …
What Kind of Speeds do Different Kinds of Airplanes Reach?
To understand the kinds of various speeds airplanes reach, it’s important to also understand how airspeed is measured in aviation and what it means for you as a pilot. Remember …
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Learning To Fly Isn’t As Complicated As You Might Think
One look at a cockpit, especially one belonging to a new airliner or a fighter jet, might seem like an impossible mess to a non-pilot and an overwhelming task to …
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What is a Touch and Go?
Many instructors compliment their student pilots’ learning sessions in the cockpit with some touch-and-goes, but some CFIs do not think the practice actually contributes to proficiency and safety. However, experienced …
How Do Air Traffic Patterns Work?
Competent and professional contact with air traffic controllers is a weak area for even experienced pilots. Working in air traffic patterns is a basic part of life for student pilots, …
How Does Altitude Affect Flying?
The basics of altitude seem like the most basic aspect of flying: As long as you’re in the air, isn’t that good? But working with the realities that come with …
What Makes the Cessna a Quintessential Training Aircraft?
The Cessna 172, called the Skyhawk, is by far the most common training aircraft at flight schools in the US. A well-balanced airplane with qualities that translate well to other …
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All About Runway Distance Requirements
Part of being a safe pilot is making sure that any runway you plan to use has enough distance to safely operate for both takeoff and landing. A strong student …
Propeller Based Versus JetEngine Propulsion
To fully understand how an aircraft works, student pilots must become familiar with its form of propulsion. Comprehending how your airplane’s engine works helps you to become a safe and …
The Best Parts of Learning To Fly in San Diego
Learning to fly in any geographic area holds its own benefits and challenges. Choosing the place to take your flight training means learning to turn these challenges to your advantage …